Hot off the press: Latest Population Figures for Singapore

Population in Brief 2016 has just been released with fresh data on Singapore's population. What's new and notable? Here are the key highlights:

1 More citizen marriages in the last two years

There were about 24,000 citizen marriages per year in 2015 and 2014, which is higher than the decade’s average of about 22,000 citizen marriages. Not surprising, as the larger cohorts of children of post-war baby boomers are now reaching the age where they are starting to settle down and get married.

2 And more Singaporean babies born!

Not only are there encouraging signs in the marriage trends, the number of Singaporean babies born last year has also gone up. There were close to 34,000 citizen births in 2015, an increase for the second year running. This was even higher than in 2012, a Dragon year.

3 The children of baby boomers are entering the ages for marriage and parenthood

Over the next few years, we will see more citizens moving into their late 20’s and early 30’s. Many of them are children of our post-war baby boomers. Like the generations before them, the aspirations to start a family are strong among these Singaporeans and we hope they will have more babies!

Singapore's citizen population, then and now

Age profile of citizen population, 1970

Age profile of citizen population, 2016

4 Our citizen population continues to age

In 1970, less than 1 in 30 Singapore citizens (3.2%) were aged 65 and above. Today, that figure has increased to about 1 in 7 Singapore citizens (13.7%), as illustrated in the previous charts. With an ageing population and increased longevity, the number of citizens in the working-age band of 20-64 years will continue to decline, while the number of citizens aged 65 and above will nearly double between now and 2030. This means that there will be fewer working-age citizens to each citizen aged 65 years and over. This ratio is 4.7 in 2016, and will halve to 2.3 in 2030!

Number of working-age citizens will decline, while number of citizens aged 65 and above will nearly double

Fewer working-age citizens to each citizen aged 65 and above

5 Citizen population grew to 3.41 million, while PR population remained stable

The citizen population grew at a similar pace as last year, with 3.41 million citizens as of end June 2016. This is due to citizen births and a calibrated approach to immigration. The PR population remained relatively stable at 0.52 million.

6 Stronger growth in foreign domestic workers (FDWs) and dependants

The non-resident population grew by 2.5% to 1.67M. Compared to last year, there was stronger growth in FDWs and dependants of Singaporeans on Long-Term Visit Passes, such as foreign spouses. The increased FDW population growth may reflect how more Singaporeans are seeking additional support to meet their caregiving needs.

7 Total population growth rates remained stable and low

Singapore’s total population grew by 1.3% in the past year – comparable to the past 3 years – to 5.61M in 2016. This reflects a conscious effort to manage our foreign workforce growth and shift towards productivity-driven growth – more details here.

Population.sg brings together people with diverse backgrounds to discuss and write about population matters in Singapore. We focus on demographic challenges in Singapore and what needs to be done to create a strong Singaporean core with good opportunities and high-quality living for Singaporeans.